March 28, 2008:

I am searching for families who may have went to Iowa or USA in late 1860's (after 1864) - 
before July 1870 with David & Margaret Acheson and their children Elizabeth & Agnes. 
David and Margaret were married in Pembroke, Ontario in Sept 1862. Their last child 
born before arriving in Iowa was Elizabeth born in Oct 1864. Their first son child born 
in Iowa,USA was James born July 1870. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Oh and 
Margarets maiden name was Robinson d/o James Robinson and Mariam McKinnon. David Achesons 
father's name is unknown but it is thought his mother was Rebecca. 

Also in addition I read a newspaper article where Margaret Robinson Acheson says they 
came in 1869 and it was herself, her sister and her 2 children so David must have 
gone on ahead. "Mrs Acheson recalls the trip from Canada, when she and her 2 daughters 
and a sister came to Springfield, later called Humboldt and by stage to West Bend. 
Jimmie Dean's family lived at McKnights Point where they stopped to eat." I don't know 
how they got as far as the stage though-wagon-train or what????? Or who her sister was 
and if she had a husband waiting in West Bend also??? 

Here is a transcript of the obituary of David Atcheson:

1922
A Pioneer Is Called
   David Acheson died at his home in West Bend on Monday evening. On Monday evening 
   September 4 at 11 o'clock, David Acheson passed quietly and peacefully, away at his 
   home in this city, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 22 days.
   David was born in the province of Ulster, Ireland, County Sligo, April 12, 1839. 
   He came to Pembroke, Ontario, Canada in 1840 with his parents and on September 6,1862 
   he was united in marriage to Margaret Robinson of Westmeath, Renfrew County, 
   Ontario. 
   They continued their residence at Pembroke, where their two oldest children were 
   born, until 1869., then they moved to Iowa and were among the earliest pioneers of 
   Palo Alto Co. Their first home was established on the homestead 3 1/2 miles west of 
   West Bend, where the remainder of the family, 7 in number were born.
  In 1899 they sold the old homestead and Mr & Mrs Acheson became residents of Belmond,
  Iowa. They lived there for 7 years and moved to Goldfield, resided there for a period 
  of 6 years. They then returned to the old town where they have since continued to reside.
  3 of the family have proceeded the father in death: Clara and James who died in 
  early childhood and Agnes the eldest, departed this life at their home in West Bend 
  1912. Besides the widow and 12 grand children there remain to mourn the loss of this 
  beloved father, 2 sons and 4 daughters: Wm.H. Acheson of Spokane, Washington and 
  George L. Acheson of Dale, North Dakota., Mrs. Elizabeth Bookman of Pocahantas, IA., 
  Mrs Mabel Ivey formerly of West Bend, IA. and now residing in Rolef, IA., Mrs. Maude 
  Houghton of Montevideo,Minnesota, and Miss Marge Acheson of Pocahantas. The 4 latter, 
  who with his aged wife, have been in faithful attendance at his bedside during the 
  last weeks of his illness, which was dated since last October.
  In more optimistic moments during his failing health, deceased expressed a desire to 
  live untill his 60th wedding anniversary but on Wens. afternoon Sept 6 he was laid 
  to rest in West Bend cemetary. Funeral services being held in the Methodist Church 
  under the charge of the I.O.O.F. lodge, Rev. Bottom delivering the sermon. The 
  following pall bearers were all past Grands, officiated: Frank Shellmyer, George Post, 
  Charles DeWitt, Frank Foley, Clem Grove and Louie Hofstudter.
  The death of David Acheson marks the passing of another pioneer settler of our county. 
  For 53 years Mr & Mrs Acheson experienced the hardships of early homestead life and 
  built up a home whose hospitality portals never turned a stranger from the gate and 
  where neighbors and friends were always sure of a welcome no matter when they came. 
  Among the many who came during his confinement to his home to lend assistance and to 
  help pass the long hours, were those whom he had rendered assistance in hours of like need.
  Deceased was a faithful attendant of the M.E. Church and a  member of the I.O.O.F. 
  Lodge since it was first organized in West Bend. Up until last October he was an 
  active man and a figure on the streets of our city taking a keen interest in the 
  current events of the day and delighted in discussing them with his friends. He was 
  a good citizen and a whole community, with the family, mourns the passing of this 
  grand old man.
  
Below is a photo of David & Margaret and sitting is their daughter Margaret. This was 
taken in WestBend, Iowa.

Please email me at 
lorraine@westriv.com

Thank you 
... Louise Acheson


 
E-mail Louise Atcheson and Al Lewis



Back to Bytown or Bust - History and Genealogy in the Ottawa, Canada area -- Homesteading in Iowa, USA